Creamy Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese You Can Make at Home
There’s a reason Panera’s famous mac and cheese has such a loyal following. It’s rich, creamy, comforting, and always seems to hit the spot, whether you’re grabbing lunch on a busy day or craving a cozy dinner at home. The good news is that you don’t have to make a trip to the restaurant to enjoy that same cheesy goodness. This Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe is incredibly easy to make at home using simple ingredients and your Instant Pot.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. The pasta cooks right in the Instant Pot, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup. Once the noodles are perfectly tender, all that’s left to do is stir in butter, milk, and plenty of melty cheddar and American cheese. The result is an ultra-creamy macaroni and cheese that’s every bit as comforting as the restaurant version.
Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner, bringing it to a family gathering, or making it as a side dish for your favorite barbecue, this homemade mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of classic comfort food flavor that both kids and adults will love. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds!
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More Mac & Cheese:
Delicious Homemade Mac & Cheese is also a well-known comfort food. It has a delicious creamy cheesiness that delights the taste buds while filling hungry bellies with its warm yumminess. Whether you slow cook it in the crockpot, use your Instant Pot, or bake it up in the oven, there is no resisting the goodness! Check out all these Homemade Macaroni & Cheese recipes your family will love!
Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta shells
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces shredded American cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Directions
- Pour the pasta shells into the Instant Pot and add 4 cups of water.
- Add the butter and season with salt and pepper.
- Close and lock the lid.
- Set the Instant Pot to Manual (High Pressure) for 5 minutes.
- Perform a quick release when cooking is complete.
- Open the lid and stir in the milk.
- Add the cheddar cheese, American cheese, and hot sauce.
- Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- If desired, sprinkle with breadcrumbs before serving for a little extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken
- BBQ pulled pork or ribs
- Meatloaf
- Crispy chicken tenders
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Fresh garden salad
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Tomato soup for a comforting lunch
For an extra-special version, top with crispy bacon, diced ham, shredded rotisserie chicken, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Print the Recipe:
Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe (Easy Instant Pot Version)
Make this easy Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe in your Instant Pot! Creamy, cheesy comfort food made with simple ingredients and ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta shells
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces shredded American cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Bread crumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Add the butter and season with salt and pepper.
Close and lock the lid.
Open the lid and stir in the milk.
Add the cheddar cheese, American cheese, and hot sauce.
Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
If desired, sprinkle with bread crumbs before serving for a little extra crunch.
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